Death's New Lease On Life

Death’s New Lease On Life is an illustrated novel. Or comic, if you prefer. Graphic novel, even, if that’s your thing. It’s for children. Ostensibly, at least. And it’s about Death. Or, to be more precise, the Grim Reaper. And the need to feel wanted. And penguins. So many, many Adelie penguins.

It was written by Brendan O'Connell and illustrated by Fiona Boniwell. It’s 32 pages long and tells the story of how a forlorn Grim Reaper came to a better appreciation of life and, subsequently, you know, himself. It’s funny. And joyous, in it’s own way. And it has penguins. So many, many penguins.

Death’s New Lease On Life taps into children’s fascination with the macabre. But does so with a gentle humour, some lyrical flourishes and a heart-warming story about penguins (have I mentioned the penguins yet?).